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New Guidelines on International Cooperation in Anti-Human Trafficking / Migrant Smuggling
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Programme Office for South Eastern Europe recently released Guidelines of International Cooperation on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants. The Guidelines are intended to provide criminal justice practitioners in the Western Balkans with guidance on certain key aspects of and challenges in international cooperation in this field, in this region. The Guidelines detail the international legislative framework for formal and informal cooperation, including the principles and pre-conditions of Mutual Legal Assistance; outline the structure and the mechanics for the informal exchange of criminal intelligence and information; and explain the way in which police and prosecutors from different countries can work together, with specific reference to the development of joint investigation teams. Insofar as the Guidelines stem directly from feedback received from justice and security personnel of participating countries / territories at regional workshops and during field visits, it is hoped that the Guidelines will meet the specific needs and requirements of relevant practitioners such that international cooperation in anti-human trafficking and migrant smuggling investigations and prosecutions in the region will improve.